The Siletz offers plenty of high-quality fish, beautiful scenery, several good drift options, a paved road along its lower 50 miles, and less pressure than others closer to Portland.

I first became familiar with the Siletz about 10 years ago, relatively late in my steelheading career. My introduction was in late December on a day when the temperature did not get much above freezing and a light dusting of snow covered the shaded portions of the bank.

Only one other boat was on the drift, and the quiet, tranquil beauty of the river was almost overwhelming. Having spent most of my steelheading time up to that point in the Tillamook area, I quickly realized that steelhead could be caught without having my nostrils burn with the pungent smell of a dairy farm or a frigid east wind blowing down my neck.

My partner and I put steelhead in the boat that day. A couple of chrome-bright bucks, each about 5 or 6 pounds, fresh from the ocean. In those days, the majority of the catch, about 80 percent, were hatchery-raised descendents of Alsea River steelhead.

Today, less than half the previous amount of juveniles are released, but the number and average size of returning adults has improved, significantly. A wild-brood stock program utilizes wild steelhead native to the Siletz as the parents for the hatchery reared plants.

It was initiated several years ago, and the results have been impressive with the majority of fish in the 8- to 10-pound range, a high percentage in the teens, and fish over 20 pounds common. A missing adipose fin and maxillary identify the brood-stock fish.

Because of the direct connection to the later-returning wild fish, the brood-stock fish also have a tendency to return largely in February and March. There is, however, a growing trend of the return spreading out over the entire course of the season, making late December and January worth some effort.

In recent years, I haven't fished it myself before late January, but I have heard some encouraging reports beginning around Christmas the last couple of years.

With almost 30 miles of driftable water, the Siletz offers a variety of options for the drift boater. All of the drifts are fairly lengthy; the average distance between launches just over 5 miles.

Water height, time of year, rowing ability, and personal preference are factors that play into choosing which drift to make.

Moonshine's bright

The highest improved launch is at Moonshine Park where the launch is a very short asphalt ramp. Other than requiring all turning movements take place in the middle of the road, it is a cinch.

The drift itself is not a cinch, and a couple of spots require above-novice skill on the oars. Ride with a knowledgeable and skilled oarsman your first time down from this launch.

This is a fairly long drift stretching 7 miles before the first take-out opportunity at Twin Bridges. Optimum water height for the Moonshine drift is about 6 1/2 to 5 feet, although, if the water color is good, a little higher level can be productive.

Last year in late January, I ran it at just under 4 feet, leaving plenty of Gluvit-smudged rocks along the way, and the fishing wasn't worth talking about. This drift is the first to return to shape after a high-water event and can draw a crowd when lower sections are unfishable, especially later in the season.

The paved ramp at Twin Bridges can be a challenge under certain conditions. It is steep and on the south side of the river, so it gets little sun during winter months, making ice and frost a threat. Check it out before backing down in darkness.

At just over 4 miles, the drift between Twin Bridges and Hee Hee Illahee Park at the town of Siletz is the shortest on the river. It fishes best when the water height is between 5 1/2 and 4 feet. There are no major obstacles on this section, and it offers plenty of steelhead-holding drifts.

The ramp at Illahee Park is paved and includes an improved parking area. It's angled upstream into the flow of the river, however, which can make things a little difficult when landing and launching.

Long and short

Unique because it offers a good 5 miles of fishing and just a short 1-mile walk back to your rig, the drift from Illahee Park to Old Mill Park (sometimes called the "Around Town Drift") is one of the most popular on the river. Offering a nice diversity of water types, this drift offers something for both drift anglers and plug pullers.

A wide turn-around area is just above the narrow paved ramp at Old Mill Park. The bottom end of the paved ramp is severely scoured and proved a real challenge during last year's low water. The drifts below town are your best bets early in the season or when the gauge is 3 1/2 and lower.

There is a steep gravel launch at Ojalla Bridge, about 5 miles downstream, but don't use it as a take-out point. This makes the drift from Old Mill to Morgan Park the most lengthy at just under 12 miles.

The paved take-out at Morgan Park is across from the tip of a small island and can be difficult to locate under low-light conditions. Keep a lookout for the park, and make sure you are positioned to take the right side of the island.

Keep moving

Because of the length of the drifts, it is important to stay on the move, unless there are just a couple of specific holes you want to fish. Trying to hit every inch of good water isn't practical for most.

Locals have long despised pluggers, but it is a very effective method to cover lots of water. Wiggle Warts, Tadpollies and size 35 Hot Shots are favorites for the larger brood stock and wild fish. Preferred colors include Pirates, metallic blue and green, gold, and silver with a black back.

Diver-and-bait combinations are effective, but running bait is not recommended because of potential injury to wild fish. Instead, orange or pink Aeroflies or 4-inch pink rubber worms are productive and less likely to harm fish. Use a 4- to 5-foot leader with a Hot-N-Tot, Mud Bug or Jet Diver to get your offering into the zone.

Drift fishing is probably the most popular method of enticing Siletz steelhead, and the typical array of gear will work. A size 8 to 12 Corky or Cheater in cerise, red, flame or egg fluorescent will get grabs. Pearl pink was a favorite last year because of continuous low-water conditions.

Boatless opportunities

Bank access is a challenge on the Siletz with Moonshine Park about the best option. The drift at the mouth of Palmer Creek, located within the park, has become popular in recent years primarily because this is where the brood-stock fish enter the river. Drift fishing is the most popular method used here.

Bobber-and-jig combinations are a good option. A 1/8-ounce jig in pink/white, blue/pink or red/pink is productive. A long-handled net will greatly enhance your chances of landing a fish here.

Another good bank fishing spot is just upstream of the Ojalla Bridge. The gorge area above Moonshine also offers plenty of bank access to some good steelhead water, but the likelihood of finding a clipped fish up here is remote.

Keep in mind that all of the land above Moonshine is privately owned and subject to closure. Be sure and check the sign before proceeding, and it's always a good idea to call the Georgia-Pacific land-use line (541-336-7109) before making a long drive.

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